Álvaro Carreras Set to Join Real Madrid in Key Defensive Signing

Real Madrid is close to signing Álvaro Carreras, a talented left-back from Benfica. This move is part of their plan to strengthen their defense for next season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Álvaro Carreras has agreed to a five-year contract with Real Madrid and will earn about €9 million per year. The club is negotiating with Benfica to finalize the transfer and hopes to secure Carreras before the Club World Cup in June. Carreras, 22, trained at Real Madrid’s youth academy, La Fábrica, before moving to Benfica in 2020. He has developed into one of Europe’s promising full-backs, scoring four goals and assisting five in 49 matches this season. His impressive performances in the Champions League, especially against Barcelona, caught Madrid’s attention. They are trying to lower Benfica’s €50 million release clause to complete the deal.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This signing aligns with Real Madrid’s strategy under incoming manager Xabi Alonso, who wants to strengthen key areas, including the left-back position. This season, Madrid struggled defensively, with Ferland Mendy underperforming and David Alaba nearing the end of his peak years. Bringing back Carreras, who matches Alonso’s progressive play and tactical intelligence, is seen as a crucial move to refresh the squad. Alongside recent signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid is creating a young, dynamic defense to compete in domestic and international tournaments.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR REAL MADRID AND CARRERAS?

Real Madrid aims to finalize the transfer quickly to integrate Carreras into the team before the expanded Club World Cup and the new La Liga season. The club is high in La Liga but seeks to strengthen squad depth to maintain domestic dominance and progress in European competitions. Benfica and Manchester United, who retain a buy-back option on Carreras, are also significant stakeholders in this transfer situation. Carreras’s arrival signals a new era for Real Madrid’s defense, promising more tactical flexibility and consistency as they prepare for future challenges.